We all want to do our part for the environment so instead of reaching for the stack of paper towels, we stick our hands into the hand dryer after washing in public toilets, right?

Thinking that it is only hot air coming into contact with our hands, we walk out of the toilet feeling assured that our hands are clean.

However, after reading this woman's Facebook post, maybe you might want to change your opinion.

Nichole Ward, of California found out to her horror what was actually lurking inside those hand dryers after she conducted a simple experiment.

Her discovery which she shared on Facebook struck a chord with viewers worldwide, garnering over half a million shares and counting.

Take a look at the curious photograph she attached to her FB post below. Looks like some kind of fungal growth right?

Pic: Facebook

Then, read what she has to say:

“Ok guys..ready to have your mind blown?!” she writes. "This here, is what grew in a Petri dish after just a few days."

She proceeds to explain how she got the sample.

"I stuck the open plate in an enclosed hand dryer of a public bathroom for a total of three minutes. Yes, three only.

"DO NOT EVER dry your hands in those things again. This is the several strains of pathogenic fungi and bacteria that you’re swirling around your hands, and you think you’re walking out with clean hands. You’re welcome."

Her post gained so much traction online that a US manufacturer of one of the most prominent brands of hand dryers felt compelled to issue a response.

“We’re very surprised to see these results, and unclear on the methodology employed.

“All Dyson AirbladeTM hand dryers have HEPA filters that capture particles as small as bacteria from the washroom air before it leaves the machine. Dyson AirbladeTM hand dryers are proven hygienic by university research and are trusted by hospitals, food manufacturers and businesses worldwide," a Dyson spokesperson told ABC Action News, NYPostreports.

Ward subsequently replied to people posting comments on her FB page that she, too, plans to 'take matters into her own hands', literally.

“From now on I just wash and scrub, and dry on my clothes or shake and air dry OUTSIDE of the [restroom],” she wrote.

The report indicates that more factual information is being sought as to how Miss Ward gathered and cultured the sample to reach any conclusive decision.